Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
The Kern County sheriff's mounted posse celebrated their American pride at the Wasco Rose Festival parade in the past.
This cowgirl, with her son, showed her Wasco Rose Festival spirit several years ago.
The Wasco Rose Festival is back to being held the first weekend after Labor Day, and many special activities are planned.
Over three days, a number of events will take place.
There will be a kick-off on Thursday, Sept. 8, with the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant at the Wasco Union High School Auditorium at 6 p.m. It promises to be full of entertainment as the candidates have been practicing since May. Be on the lookout for ticket sales at the end of August.
On Friday, Sept. 9, the Wasco Elks Ladies will hold a Wine and Roses Honored Guest Reception' where the grand marshals will be recognized and celebrated. The event will be held at the Wasco Elks Lodge from 6 to 10 p.m.
It will be the first year that the Wasco Elks Ladies host the event. All proceeds will go to their College Scholarship Fund.
The festival culminates on Saturday, Sept. 10 with a full day of excitement. At 7:30 a.m., the Recreation and Parks District puts on the 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow Color Blast Fun Run at Barker Park.
Also on Saturday, at 10 a.m., the Wasco Rose Parade will begin on 7th and D streets, to Poplar Avenue, ending in Barker Park. Over 50 parade entrants are anticipated to participate.
Another component of Saturday festivities will be the festival in the park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a myriad of vendors, a car show, a DJ, a beer garden and an art show hosted by the Wasco Woman's Club.
The Block and Tackle Deep Pit Dinner at Barker Park will close off the night from 5 to 7 p.m. This event returns after more than a decade.
The dinner was a popular tradition from the festival's inception in 1969 to about 2008.
"This is something we really wanted to bring back. It is something that everyone still talks about and misses," said Orange Heart Foundation and Secretary Orquidea Ocampo.
The Wine and Roses Honored Guest Reception is also making its return.
"The Wasco Rose Festival is committed to bringing back the history we all loved, while moving forward as well. Having two long-held events come back with new hosts is a wonderful blend of those goals," said Wasco Rose Festival group member Camilo Vasquez.
"We are excited they will both be fundraisers to benefit students in the community."
Without a doubt, the celebration will be memorable for the whole family.
"Biographies will be forthcoming for the Grand Marshals, as well as vendor announcements and information about pre-sale ticket tickets for the Deep Pit Dinner," said Sharp.
Pre-sale tickets for Wine and Roses are $50 and are now available through the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, from any Elk Lady or Wasco Is on Facebook.
More information is available from Gallardo at 661-340-5801 or Sharon Sharp at 661-910-2324 for questions, or by emailing [email protected].
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